Is a Used RTX 3080 10GB or RTX 4070 Super Better for 1440p Gaming and Video Editing?
Asked by
MellowCedar47
I'm upgrading my PC in the Philippines and choosing between a used RTX 3080 10GB for about US$330 and a used RTX 4070 Super for roughly US$500. I mainly want to play sim-racing games and upcoming titles such as Forza Horizon 6 at 1440p on high or ultra settings. I also edit 4K60 10-bit Log H.265 smartphone footage in DaVinci Resolve.
The RTX 4070 Super costs about 51% more, but seems to offer only around 15% higher performance and 2GB more VRAM. Its much lower power consumption, newer features, and longer-term support are appealing, although I could undervolt the RTX 3080 and reduce its power draw. I'm also willing to lower a few settings when necessary to avoid VRAM limitations. A used RTX 3080 12GB is extremely difficult to find locally, so that is probably not a realistic option. Which card offers the better value for my situation?
Answers
A used 3080 can be a good buy, especially around US$330. Check its condition carefully, support the card properly in the case, and make sure the power supply and cooling are adequate. It should handle current 1440p racing games well, and the money saved could go toward a future upgrade.
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The RTX 4070 Super is the better overall card if you can justify the extra US$170. It is more efficient, has 12GB of VRAM, runs cooler and quieter, and gives you newer features such as proper frame generation. Those advantages may help it remain useful longer than the 3080, even though the immediate performance increase is not huge.
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At those prices, the RTX 3080 is probably the better value if you’re comfortable with its higher power use and potentially shorter upgrade window. An undervolt can make a significant difference; some owners report roughly 80–85W lower consumption while maintaining or slightly improving performance. For 1440p gaming, 10GB can still work if you’re willing to adjust textures and a few demanding settings.
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Since you also edit video, newer-generation encoding features may matter more than the gaming benchmark difference. If your footage or future workflow needs newer codec support, saving for a newer card—or looking at a newer-generation model—could make more sense than buying either of these. If your phone footage is only 4:2:0, though, the 3080 or 4070 Super should still be perfectly usable for your current Resolve work.
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I wouldn’t assume you have to buy immediately. Good deals occasionally appear when someone parts out a prebuilt, although the Philippine market may have far fewer 4070 Supers available. If you find a well-priced 4070 Super with a clear history, take it; otherwise, the discounted 3080 is reasonable rather than a bad compromise.
MellowCedar47: There are only a few 4070 Supers listed locally compared with many RTX 3060s and RX 6600s, so finding one at a much lower price may be difficult. Still, I’ll keep watching for a good deal.
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MellowCedar47: That’s worth considering. My phone records 4:2:0 unless I use a third-party camera app for 4:2:2, so the newer encoder features may not be essential right now. I’ll also compare newer cards available locally before deciding.